I know the weather forecasters gave us a few days notice last week that Saturday was going to be a nice day but I didn't really believe it until it dawned warm and bright. With friends arriving at lunchtime, I was faced with the dilemma of do i attempt a rush-job of hair removal, moisturising, self-tanning and toenail painting to enable me to wear something vaguely summery or do i remain concealed under trousers and shoes (with a t-shirt as a small concession to the heat). I am afraid to say I chose the latter.
This is naughty as last month Queen published a guide to getting sensitive skin ready for summer. It was a call to arms - start strimming, moisturising and buffing NOW and, when those first few nice days start to appear, you can smugly reveal that you are in perfect shape. Its a shame I didn't heed our own advice.
So, for those of you, like me, who haven't started facing up to the fact that summer may just be on its way, I am going to reiterate some of these tips in an effort to galvanize us into action.
Queen's Seven Summer Survival Tips for Sensitive Skin
1) Start NOW
Start the routine below now to give yourself a good eight week head-start before summer really arrives. Not only does poor winter skin need time to get over its weeks of neglect but also it is better that you find a routine which works for you now rather than suffering an adverse reaction when you assault your skin two days before your holiday or that lovely summer wedding.
2) Hair-removal - find a method that works for you NOW
Hair removal can cause problems for the hardiest of skins so if you have sensitive skin do make sure you know which method is least likely to send your skin into overdrive. Shaving may be the best option as it is not too stressful for skin - before shaving, work up a good foam from a soap or other product you know does not cause your skin to react.
3) Gentle buffing
Sensitive skin should not be subjected to harsh exfoliators but it is good to try and get rid of dead, dull skin. Even a soft flannel will do or, if you are feeling adventurous, a handful of oats (the type you get for porridge!). Moisten the oats and rub gently over your body. Yes, it is messy (you could wrap them in a muslin) but you can shower them off.
4) Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
If you are not already doing so to keep winter dryness, flakiness and itching at bay, start moisturising NOW. After your morning shower, massage in as much lotion as you can, concentrating on dry, problem areas such as feet, elbows and shins. Let the lotion sink in before getting dressed.
5) Pay attention to your feet
Heels, ankles and even the tops of feet can look dry, scaly and generally rather unappealing after a winter of thick socks and boots. If your skin can tolerate a pumice stone, use it gently on those areas where skin is thick and dry. Afterwards, rub in a super-thick footcream or other cream for very dry skin. Let it sink in before dressing. Before you go to bed, massage in more cream so that it can work while you sleep. Ensure that you massage the cream into and around your nails to prepare them for nail varnish. Painting your toenails will give your feet an instant lift. Doing it ahead of time means you can take your time and make sure they look perfect. Choose a pale pink or neutral colour to avoid staining and to make removal or touch-ups easier.
6) Fake it
So, the sun is here and you are in the lucky position of being able to reveal your lovingly prepared limbs. If you are not able to use fake tans, add a bit of colour by mixing some of your favourite foundation with your moisturiser and smoothing it all over your skin. Or, keep skin pale but glossy with extra lashings of body lotion.
7) Take great care in the sun
If you skin can tolerate a sunscreen, use products which contain one or use a suntan lotion under your make-up. Try and keep out of direct sun and cover up if you must go out in the heat of the day.
This week's trip to John Bell & Croyden was a boost to morale as sales have continued to be good while other reps were complaining that sales of their products have been subdued. While I was there, two regular customers came in and headed straight for Queen and a lady who said she worked in the fashion industry made a beeline for me to tell me that she had tried the samples I gave her and thought the products were excellent. She is exhibiting at The Luxury Fair in Chelsea in mid-May and said she would do a little bit of promotion on Queen's behalf while she was there.
Again, there were no famous faces this week. Perhaps I should swap days at Thursdays have been very dry on this front for nearly a month now. One of the staff did mutter something about a member of Monty Python but I didn't recognise him and I like to think I know my stuff! There were instead lots of international customers who are always charming.
Back at the farm, I found a very nice email from a regular client. Last month she wrote to say that she didn't like the new handcream packaging (more about our packaging trials in future blogs) but this time the subject line of her email read 'lovely cream!'.
"Having complained about the new handcream some time ago, I feel I should also write and tell you how pleased I am with the rich Skin Cream. After a sudden flare up of eczema on my face (this is new!) I used the cream and it has been really helpful, calming both the redness and the itch. Also, the Eyelash Cream was so nice that I have got some for a friend as a present! Thank you again."
What a nice way to end the week.
Come back next week please!
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